Reselling your Stash Unethical or Smart?

Recently there was some conversation in one of our Facebook groups about people who resell their stockpile items online. I was slightly surprised to see the opinion of a few members state that reselling items that were purchased with coupons was “unethical”. I disagree with that statement for many reasons. I started How to Shop for Free® for two reasons. Reason one was, I needed a place to write every deal I found and how I was getting it so I could stop repeating myself to friends and family. Reason two was, is and always will be, to help people.

It is easy for others that are not struggling to decide what the limit should be for others. I strongly believe that if you have the power to help yourself (legally) then by all means do so. The question of ethics should be in how they are obtaining the product that they are selling and the selling price of the items. If you are obtaining your items with the appropriate coupons and selling the items at a fair value then who are we to judge. Every business in America buys items from someone somewhere and resells them, its basic supply and demand. The problem for most is that they feel the items that were obtained free or near free should be given away. It sounds reasonable but you may not be looking at the flip side. There are always two sides and if you take the time to look at the other side you may be able to see things a bit differently.

Over the years I have met many people that are struggling, really struggling. I have watched grown men cry on well more than one occasion. It’s heartbreaking to see so many people in need of help that want to help themselves, they want to provide for their family and they do not want to take what they feel is a handout from the government. Couponing has taken these people from a point of despair to be able to provide not only for themselves but feel confident they will not go hungry. Some have also managed to avoid taking what they financially qualify for in government assistance because they no longer need it. To me this is empowering on so many levels. If these same people want to be proactive and resell what they have worked for so they can pay a bill and survive then who are we to judge them?

If you do decide to resell items please keep the following in mind;

Be sure you are following the rules on the coupon

Order items in bulk vs. shelf clearing

Do not price gouge

Pay it forward. If you have a customer that is clearly struggling, help them out.

What are your thoughts? Please leave me a comment; I would love to hear your friendly opinion on this subject.

About Kathy Spencer

Comments

I don’t have quite a “stock pile” yet – but my “in college” – luckily on scholarship (obviously smarter than me) will have Christmas presents this year – It may only be body wash, razors, shampoo and deodorant – but it was all close too free. I would love to re-sell some extra stuff.. I do have enough tissues for a year – but that doesn’t pay the mortgages.. how do you re sell?

I’m thinking about reselling myself. Each box being $10 that’s only $1 dollar an item for everything that I can get down to less than a dollar after coupons and rebates. Making one a cleaning box, one cereals with oatmeal. Next one personal care, health and beauty box. I’d keep what I needed and make money off the rest $10 a box for 200 boxes cover’s coupon cost and more! I would also have my monthly groceries easily trippled! I don’t care about the brand name. A deals just that, plus I would do shipping! Or pickup! Also want to buy stuff with rebates and give people great deals who are on a budget. By the way Alot of people are insulted by free stuff. I charge to help them and make it more affordable than any stores price!

I would gladly pay someone to do my bath in shoppi g I have a hard time with 2 kids under 5 in the stores. I get overwhelmed and forget to us my coupons or just give up but I can only spend 150 weekly and I’m sure it not enough ANYWAY yet I’m not upset that ppl do it I’m jealous and wish I could.

when telling people its okay to resell you should also advise that the proper taxes need to be paid on the item to their state and the income/profit needs to be reported on the Federal Income Tax return and all applications they fill out for assistance-snap, heating, unemployment, tdi, wic, cash benefits and medical assistance. You are definitely creating a liability otherwise.